The convent of Roscrea is also in the diocese of Killaloe and territory of Ely. It was founded little more than hundred years ago by Lord Mulrony O'Carroll, called the Great, a powerful and religious man. The record of the foundation was inscribed on a marble block, inserted in one side of cloister.55 I have at present no certain remembrance of the date, for I had no intention of writing these sketches when I was there. The roofs of all the buildings have fallen in, but the walls still stand, and some panes of glass remain in the windows. The convent, though small, was elegantly proportioned, and could be easily rebuilt. The country round is rich and fertile and ‘the harvest is great indeed, but the labourers few.’
One of the friars who were professed there, lives to this day. At the time of the Suppression the convent was occupied by the Conventuals, some of whom fell away. Among them was one Teig Daly, who fled to Limerick, resolving to betake himself across the seas but was captured before he could effect his purpose. When put to the question, he stood firm in the Confession of the Faith, and rejected life and the many rewards offered to him if he would join himself to the heretics, preferring rather a glorious death. ‘Thus being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time.’ I do not know under whom he suffered or in what year. The Brother was unable to give me these particulars.56 This same Brother was the companion of the holy martyr in his flight and imprisonment. He was then a young priest, and very simple-minded.